Palliative care is care that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing life-limiting illnesses, e.g. advanced cancers or end-stage chronic illnesses. It includes the treatment of pain and other symptoms, and addressing (where possible) the psychological, social, financial and spiritual concerns of patients and families. Treatment options are also explored, so that patients can come to decisions that are in line with their own philosophy and outlook on life.
Palliative care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team approach involving the participation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and social workers/counsellors. The palliative care team works closely with the primary physicians, family members and other palliative care services to help patients achieve their goals of care. This may sometimes involve advice on discharge planning.
Quality of life is deeply personal to each person. Palliative care endeavours to help each patient achieve the best quality of life that is possible in his or her remaining time.
Eating well is one way to fi ght cancer. Although there is no single food that can cure or prevent cancer, eating the right kinds of food before, during and after treatment can help a patient feel better and stay stronger. A healthy diet can also help keep up strength, fi ght off infection, prevent body tissues from breaking down, and rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm. Dietitians from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition of each hospital will be able to give specifi c advice to suit each patient’s needs. You can request for a referral to a Dietitian from the doctor, should you require one.
The Department of Psychosocial Oncology attend to patients and their families who have difficulties coping with their social, psychological and care problems arising from ill health and traumatic injuries. The types of problems seen by our Medical Social Workers are grouped into the following categories:
Psychological
Rehabilitation and Care of Patients
Financial Assistance
You do not need to be a patient of a particular hospital or institution to join any of these support groups.
When first diagnosed with cancer, most patients would experience fear, anger, anguish and helplessness. But it is important for them to realise that they are not alone. Cancer support groups play a vital role in helping people cope with cancer and they work alongside conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Support groups help individuals have a sense of control and personal responsibility in their and their family’s lives. This will allow each patient to focus positively on his daily treatment and care, and ultimately enhance his quality of life.
SingHealth’s hospitals and national centres conduct cancer support groups’ activities throughout the year. Most of these support groups are facilitated and run by volunteers who are cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
National Cancer Centre Singapore Support Programmes National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) offers a comprehensive range of Patient Education and Support Programmes. These programmes provide support at diff erent phases of patients’ journey with cancer – particularly during the ‘Treatment Phase’ and ‘Post-Treatment Phase’.
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